Nikola Mirotic is the best paid European rookie in NBA history

There's been no shortage of European lottery selections in the NBA in the last 15 years, but surprisingly it's a No. 23 pick that's getting the richest rookie deal for a Euro coming into the league. Montenegrin forward Nikola Mirotic will become this season the best paid European rookie in the history of the NBA with a first-year salary of $5,305,000 – clearly ahead of the $4.5 million Italian big man Andrea Bargnani commanded in 2006.

Mirotic's deal with the Chicago Bulls calls for him to make $16.6 million in three years, which will be more than enough to offset the $3 million he will have to pay Real Madrid for his contract buyout.